It's official: pubs make us happy

Matt Eley is an Inapub contributor. Follow him on Twitter @mattheweley

27th September 2017

It may come as no surprise to readers of these pages, but we can now officially reveal that millions of Brits are at their happiest when they are in the pub.

A poll to coincide with Cask Ale Week, which runs until October 1, reveals that a quarter of people are happiest when spending time in their local.

The survey, conducted by OnePoll.com on behalf of Cornish brewer St Austell, shows that we are most likely to head to the pub after a hard day at work, an argument with a partner or just to catch up with an old friend.

A St Austell spokesman said: "The fact that more people say they're happier in the pub than in a park, while driving or even while shopping just goes to prove how much we love popping out for a pint."

The survey of 2,000 people also revealed the top reasons why people love the pub. They are:

Catching up with friends

The atmosphere

The opportunity to have a few drinks

Laughing with friends

The food

Somewhere I can drink real ale

It's close to home

Having a romantic night with partner

Playing pool

Playing fruit/quiz machines

Brits visit the pub twice a month on average, and three in 10 say they often escape to the pub when they're feeling stressed or annoyed.

One in five Britons also visit their local so often they're on first-name terms with the bar staff and landlord.

The greatest pub meal was voted fish and chips, with two in 10 selecting the dish over all other choices on the menu.

Roger Protz, editor of the latest Good Beer Guide, said: "It's reassuring that people still recognise that there is no better place for people to meet, enjoy a beer, strike up a conversation, meet new friends and put the world to rights.

Beer Guide editor Roger Protz knows a good pub

"Pubs are not only the heart of the community, but they are an institution and synonymous with British culture and it's vital that we continue to support them."

Matt Eley is an Inapub contributor. Follow him on Twitter @mattheweley

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